SSFS Will Stay Open

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why are we so protective and defensive around this one board member when there have been a lot of names thrown out there and talked about all through these conversations? If this is a board member twice over and you once a head of school, why are we so uncomfortable with saying they have some accountability and may need to step back to make space for new leadership?

Because there seems to be an intense focus on that one person, probably because they're the only one who really took blame on the Zoom. I guess they drew attention to themselves by speaking out. Where are the "lot of names"? The only individuals I've seen talked about negatively here (either by initials or alluding to job titles) are them and another former HoS.

I'm not necessarily sure that person should stay in the same role either. I like a PP's suggestion of them working as part of the Coalition rather than the Board. I'm just uncomfortable with people acting like everything is on their shoulders and no one else. 100 families didn't leave last year because of one Board member. International students didn't stop coming because of one Board member. The HVAC systems in those buildings didn't break down because of one Board member (those were built even before this person's tenure as HoS, and they cut corners when building them). As they say, there's plenty of blame to go around. But on Monday there was a lot of explaining how we got here; IMO the focus should now be on the future.

Hopefully the new board is announced today, or they publish some kind of Q&A on what's next. I don't have a kid at the school, but I really feel for parents who are desperate for more info and it feels like none is coming. I believe details will be made public in due time, for example the audit, but I don't think that's going to happen in thr next 24 hours when contracts are due.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why are we so protective and defensive around this one board member when there have been a lot of names thrown out there and talked about all through these conversations? If this is a board member twice over and you once a head of school, why are we so uncomfortable with saying they have some accountability and may need to step back to make space for new leadership?

Because there seems to be an intense focus on that one person, probably because they're the only one who really took blame on the Zoom. I guess they drew attention to themselves by speaking out. Where are the "lot of names"? The only individuals I've seen talked about negatively here (either by initials or alluding to job titles) are them and another former HoS.

I'm not necessarily sure that person should stay in the same role either. I like a PP's suggestion of them working as part of the Coalition rather than the Board. I'm just uncomfortable with people acting like everything is on their shoulders and no one else. 100 families didn't leave last year because of one Board member. International students didn't stop coming because of one Board member. The HVAC systems in those buildings didn't break down because of one Board member (those were built even before this person's tenure as HoS, and they cut corners when building them). As they say, there's plenty of blame to go around. But on Monday there was a lot of explaining how we got here; IMO the focus should now be on the future.

Hopefully the new board is announced today, or they publish some kind of Q&A on what's next. I don't have a kid at the school, but I really feel for parents who are desperate for more info and it feels like none is coming. I believe details will be made public in due time, for example the audit, but I don't think that's going to happen in thr next 24 hours when contracts are due.

More initials and titles have been put out there than just those two, but I don’t want to rename them here because it’s not necessary and as you suggested and I agree, not fair or kind. I just think how we are defending this one board member is interesting.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:More initials and titles have been put out there than just those two, but I don’t want to rename them here because it’s not necessary and as you suggested and I agree, not fair or kind. I just think how we are defending this one board member is interesting.

Probably because of their long history with the school. I can understand how more recent parents who came to the school within the last 5 years or so don't know much about them, and are going off what they've heard or publicly available info. I get it can look "fishy" the length of time that person's been involved, them having a family member who is also on the Board, etc. But those who have been at SSFS for a while seem to feel differently having had more experience with that person (seemingly going back to the '60s!).

I don't know whether they will stay on the Board or not. It seems not every single person is going to leave, based on Monday's meeting. But one was willing to openly admit "I screwed up," and I fully believe they will change how they make decisions going forward to prevent it happening again. I can say the same of the retired teachers on the Board who had their kids go through the school. I can't yet say the same of these younger Board members that I don't know.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
Truly all people need to know about parents like you is right here. I am an admin at another school and following. Good luck at your next school; hope they arent reading!

So either
1) there is a local school admin on DCUM during the workday posting childish threats that private schools can figure out what you post on an anonymous message board and will hold it against you and your child…
OR
2) someone is pretending to be a school admin and posting childish threats on a thread about a school they have no connection to.

This reminds me of the poster in the SSFS Closing thread who first pretended to be a parent, then some kind of community member, then admitted to being neither, and ended up calling kids “rejects,” and even when asked to stop with the insults *by an actual student* still couldn’t help themselves.

DCUM can be useful place to vent and to glean some info that hasn’t yet been released, but there are clearly people using this forum for their own entertainment or to work through some deep-rooted personal issues.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
Truly all people need to know about parents like you is right here. I am an admin at another school and following. Good luck at your next school; hope they arent reading!

So either
1) there is a local school admin on DCUM during the workday posting childish threats that private schools can figure out what you post on an anonymous message board and will hold it against you and your child…
OR
2) someone is pretending to be a school admin and posting childish threats on a thread about a school they have no connection to.

This reminds me of the poster in the SSFS Closing thread who first pretended to be a parent, then some kind of community member, then admitted to being neither, and ended up calling kids “rejects,” and even when asked to stop with the insults *by an actual student* still couldn’t help themselves.

DCUM can be useful place to vent and to glean some info that hasn’t yet been released, but there are clearly people using this forum for their own entertainment or to work through some deep-rooted personal issues.

I didn't read that thread, but just want to point out that you're stirring up s**t too. Why bring up old drama?

In any case, I'm working right now and am taking a break on DCUM. Maybe this unnamed administrator did the same? You're just making SSFS community look bad. I agree with the poster who said we need to focus on the future. Which means right now giving space to undecided families to ask the last minute questions before making a decision.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This reminds me of the poster in the SSFS Closing thread who first pretended to be a parent, then some kind of community member, then admitted to being neither, and ended up calling kids “rejects,” and even when asked to stop with the insults *by an actual student* still couldn’t help themselves.

DCUM can be useful place to vent and to glean some info that hasn’t yet been released, but there are clearly people using this forum for their own entertainment or to work through some deep-rooted personal issues.

Yes it seems the term "rejects" has morphed into "magical thinkers", "eyes shut", "policing our thoughts." Completely disregarding all the expertise and planning going on behind the scenes to stabilize and move the school forward.

Board is expected to release something today letting the community know the outcomes of last night's meeting.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
Truly all people need to know about parents like you is right here. I am an admin at another school and following. Good luck at your next school; hope they arent reading!

So either
1) there is a local school admin on DCUM during the workday posting childish threats that private schools can figure out what you post on an anonymous message board and will hold it against you and your child…
OR
2) someone is pretending to be a school admin and posting childish threats on a thread about a school they have no connection to.

This reminds me of the poster in the SSFS Closing thread who first pretended to be a parent, then some kind of community member, then admitted to being neither, and ended up calling kids “rejects,” and even when asked to stop with the insults *by an actual student* still couldn’t help themselves.

DCUM can be useful place to vent and to glean some info that hasn’t yet been released, but there are clearly people using this forum for their own entertainment or to work through some deep-rooted personal issues.

I didn't read that thread, but just want to point out that you're stirring up s**t too. Why bring up old drama?

In any case, I'm working right now and am taking a break on DCUM. Maybe this unnamed administrator did the same? You're just making SSFS community look bad. I agree with the poster who said we need to focus on the future. Which means right now giving space to undecided families to ask the last minute questions before making a decision.

I’m actually an undecided family (I have put off the offer on the other school until tomorrow) and my question is not so much about the 25-26 school year but the 26-27 year. What happens if more people leave. Is there a number where BOT decide to close? This is the uncertainty that has kept me up at night especially since I have a high schooler.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Actually, never mind. I'm so done with all of this crap. We will NOT be re-enrolling. I sincerely wish the school well and what the coalition accomplished was amazing - I commend them. But the whole thing is weird and the way families (and teachers) have been treated (other than the coalition leadership who I guess are "in the know") has been unconscionable. We were accepted at another school and the fact that I held out until the day before should have been seen as a sign that we wanted to feel better about SSFS. We do not. The above post, the meeting on Monday, the fear of saying anything questioning or negative on slack, having to resort to this god-awful DCUM board - it's just been too much. IF "magical" was code for cult like then yeah - it's been "magical" this past month.

No one said not to ask questions or be negative. We're saying if you're mad at the Baord, be mad at all 24 of them who made the final call. And the many Board members over the years who have since left; their choices also got us here.

I think I have figured out who you are by comparing these posts to the Slack. How would you feel if someone started posting about you and saying the school's failure was all your fault because you pulled your kids out? Ignoring the hundreds of parents who have done the same over the past couple years? No one would do that, because this isn't a witch hunt on individuals. I imagine I'm not the only one who's uncomfortable with trying to turn it into one.

I agree this is not a great place to get concrete info (I joined mostly to call out misinfo when I see it) but there are Coalition 1-on-1 sessions today. Anything they can't answer, it's for legal/confidentiality reasons. People here love to make it look like there is no plan. Don't let them discourage you. But if you do ultimately leave, I wish you and your child the best. Her happiness is what's most important, wherever that is 🙂

WOW. This is so passive aggressive and grotesque to try and call out an ANONYMOUS poster by claiming yo know who they are and even referring to their child as "her". Shame on you. How about we all go digging to find out who YOU are!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
Truly all people need to know about parents like you is right here. I am an admin at another school and following. Good luck at your next school; hope they arent reading!

So either
1) there is a local school admin on DCUM during the workday posting childish threats that private schools can figure out what you post on an anonymous message board and will hold it against you and your child…
OR
2) someone is pretending to be a school admin and posting childish threats on a thread about a school they have no connection to.

This reminds me of the poster in the SSFS Closing thread who first pretended to be a parent, then some kind of community member, then admitted to being neither, and ended up calling kids “rejects,” and even when asked to stop with the insults *by an actual student* still couldn’t help themselves.

DCUM can be useful place to vent and to glean some info that hasn’t yet been released, but there are clearly people using this forum for their own entertainment or to work through some deep-rooted personal issues.

I didn't read that thread, but just want to point out that you're stirring up s**t too. Why bring up old drama?

In any case, I'm working right now and am taking a break on DCUM. Maybe this unnamed administrator did the same? You're just making SSFS community look bad. I agree with the poster who said we need to focus on the future. Which means right now giving space to undecided families to ask the last minute questions before making a decision.

I’m actually an undecided family (I have put off the offer on the other school until tomorrow) and my question is not so much about the 25-26 school year but the 26-27 year. What happens if more people leave. Is there a number where BOT decide to close? This is the uncertainty that has kept me up at night especially since I have a high schooler.

This is the perfect question to submit for the FAQs since it will benefit the larger community: https://www.ssfs.org/news-media/faqs-for-2025-2026. Also, the coalition leadership has made an offer to speak with any undecided families 1-on-1 if you DM them. If you don't feel comfortable doing that, why not email the US Head or the BOT Clerk directly? I think that's a safer bet than asking here, where those providing answers may not be who they say they are and are not always acting in good faith.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:WOW. This is so passive aggressive and grotesque to try and call out an ANONYMOUS poster by claiming yo know who they are and even referring to their child as "her". Shame on you. How about we all go digging to find out who YOU are!

But it's not passive aggressive to gang up on specific Board members on here because you feel you can't do it on Slack? Sounds like you just want an echo chamber and that's not what will help undecided parents.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
Truly all people need to know about parents like you is right here. I am an admin at another school and following. Good luck at your next school; hope they arent reading!

So either
1) there is a local school admin on DCUM during the workday posting childish threats that private schools can figure out what you post on an anonymous message board and will hold it against you and your child…
OR
2) someone is pretending to be a school admin and posting childish threats on a thread about a school they have no connection to.

This reminds me of the poster in the SSFS Closing thread who first pretended to be a parent, then some kind of community member, then admitted to being neither, and ended up calling kids “rejects,” and even when asked to stop with the insults *by an actual student* still couldn’t help themselves.

DCUM can be useful place to vent and to glean some info that hasn’t yet been released, but there are clearly people using this forum for their own entertainment or to work through some deep-rooted personal issues.

I didn't read that thread, but just want to point out that you're stirring up s**t too. Why bring up old drama?

In any case, I'm working right now and am taking a break on DCUM. Maybe this unnamed administrator did the same? You're just making SSFS community look bad. I agree with the poster who said we need to focus on the future. Which means right now giving space to undecided families to ask the last minute questions before making a decision.

I’m actually an undecided family (I have put off the offer on the other school until tomorrow) and my question is not so much about the 25-26 school year but the 26-27 year. What happens if more people leave. Is there a number where BOT decide to close? This is the uncertainty that has kept me up at night especially since I have a high schooler.

The BOT nor the Coalition can tell us what 2026-27 will look like, let alone 2025-26 right now. And if they attempt to, they are lying. It depends on so many factors besides enrollment... for example, which teachers decide to return, how they allocate all of this money towards instruction vs debt etc. They may be planning for some of it, but there's no many unknowns in how it's going to shake out.

I do feel at this point, the decision is based on whether we trust that the BOT and SSFS administrators will turn this ship around. If you think that the sudden influx of needed money and BOT guidance is enough, then your decision is made. If not, then I genuinely hope you have options.

Nobody wants SSFS to fail. And I don't think it will, at least for next year. But it's going to look very different. I hope you are prepared for a much smaller student/staff population too and what that means for not just instruction but athletics, after school programs, electives offered, etc.

We made the decision not to return over the weekend. It still hurts and I'll wonder if it was the right choice for a long time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Actually, never mind. I'm so done with all of this crap. We will NOT be re-enrolling. I sincerely wish the school well and what the coalition accomplished was amazing - I commend them. But the whole thing is weird and the way families (and teachers) have been treated (other than the coalition leadership who I guess are "in the know") has been unconscionable. We were accepted at another school and the fact that I held out until the day before should have been seen as a sign that we wanted to feel better about SSFS. We do not. The above post, the meeting on Monday, the fear of saying anything questioning or negative on slack, having to resort to this god-awful DCUM board - it's just been too much. IF "magical" was code for cult like then yeah - it's been "magical" this past month.

No one said not to ask questions or be negative. We're saying if you're mad at the Baord, be mad at all 24 of them who made the final call. And the many Board members over the years who have since left; their choices also got us here.

I think I have figured out who you are by comparing these posts to the Slack. How would you feel if someone started posting about you and saying the school's failure was all your fault because you pulled your kids out? Ignoring the hundreds of parents who have done the same over the past couple years? No one would do that, because this isn't a witch hunt on individuals. I imagine I'm not the only one who's uncomfortable with trying to turn it into one.

I agree this is not a great place to get concrete info (I joined mostly to call out misinfo when I see it) but there are Coalition 1-on-1 sessions today. Anything they can't answer, it's for legal/confidentiality reasons. People here love to make it look like there is no plan. Don't let them discourage you. But if you do ultimately leave, I wish you and your child the best. Her happiness is what's most important, wherever that is 🙂

Vile!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:WOW. This is so passive aggressive and grotesque to try and call out an ANONYMOUS poster by claiming yo know who they are and even referring to their child as "her". Shame on you. How about we all go digging to find out who YOU are!

But it's not passive aggressive to gang up on specific Board members on here because you feel you can't do it on Slack? Sounds like you just want an echo chamber and that's not what will help undecided parents.

FWIW - I found the “I know who you are” jarring too.

[Anonymous]

LOL. How is it "vile" to keep someone's identity private. We should all do the same for members on the board, coalition, faculty when on this public forum. If you have questions or feedback for them, they have provided many ways to give it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:WOW. This is so passive aggressive and grotesque to try and call out an ANONYMOUS poster by claiming yo know who they are and even referring to their child as "her". Shame on you. How about we all go digging to find out who YOU are!

But it's not passive aggressive to gang up on specific Board members on here because you feel you can't do it on Slack? Sounds like you just want an echo chamber and that's not what will help undecided parents.

The BOT are responsible for what happened, not the parents including the parents who post here. There's a huge difference between calling out the entire BOT and/or some members and what you did in your post. Just as RG was fair game last summer to be called out and/or to question what really happened, so is the BOT fair game now because of the situation we find ourselves in. What you did in your post was absolutely shameful and the fact that you can't see the difference is hugely problematic if you are some sort of representative for the coalition or board.